Blackthorn - Revenge of The Dragon Rider

Chapter Four - Funestus Black

Black's mansion made all the other houses in the immediate surroundings look cheap by comparison.  Its vast ionic-columned porch was topped with a pediment complete with marble sculptures depicting the moment the Faeries took over Devilsgate and behind it sat a huge golden dome that dazzled like the sun.  Not that the sun had shone in Devilsgate for a very long time.

Drake and Gizmo climbed the marble steps up to the red lacquered front doors.  Gizmo grabbed the gold doorknocker and paused to look over his shoulder at Drake, ’For some reason Willow trusts you, don’t blow it, a lot is riding on this.’  He turned back to the door and rapped the knocker twice.

‘Okay,’ sighed Drake, ’but I’ve already told you, I can’t promise anything.’

Moments later the sound of shuffling feet could be heard behind the over-sized doors.  There was a brief pause before the doors slowly opened.

Drake took a step back and shuddered.

A grey hunched-back Demon, dressed in a white shirt and pique vest, appeared from behind the door.  He bowed low, so low in fact that he nearly scraped his rather long nose on the marble floor.  'Good afternoon.'

Drake cringed.  Demons; he hated Demons.  They were the lowest, selling their souls to anyone that would have it them off them.

'Hello, it’s Lomax isn't it?' asked Gizmo.

'Ah, Mr. Chetana.  I do apologise, I didn't recognise you in present company.'  The Demon eyed Drake up and down suspiciously, his nostrils flared in disgust.

Drake squeezed his hands into fists.  That Demon had some nerve.

'We have an appointment with Mr. Black at three,' said Gizmo.

Lomax's green eyes traced over the marking on Drake's face.  'Are you sure you have an appointment?  Mr. Black is very busy with guests at the moment,' he said, speaking to Gizmo but not taking his eyes off Drake.

'Could you please just check for us?' snapped Drake.  This Demon was starting to do his head in.

Gizmo glared at Drake before turning back to Lomax.  'Please Lomax?  I wouldn't be here if it wasn't important and we do have an appointment, I booked it with Funestus myself.'

Lomax sighed.  'Alright.  You may come in and wait.'  He bowed low again and backed into the hallway whilst gesturing for Drake and Gizmo to follow.

The hallway was huge, probably half the size of small house.  A large staircase, carpeted in unicorn hair that had been dyed crimson, dominated the back wall, its large oak banisters, dripping with carved grapes and vines, twisted elegantly up to the next floor.  And from the domed ceiling hung a diamond chandelier the size of a medium sized dining table.

Lomax knocked on black double doors to the right of the hallway.  A muffled voice told him to enter and he disappeared into the room.